U.S. Official: Strategic Dialogue Will Lift u.s.-Serbia Relations to the Highest Level

Richard Verma, Aleksandar Vučić, Belgrade, January 10 2025 ( Photo: PrintScreen YouTube)

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard Verma stated on Jan. 11 in Belgrade that he had discussed establishing a strategic dialogue between the United States and Serbia with President Aleksandar Vucic, which would elevate their relations to the highest level.

At a joint press conference after the meeting, Verma emphasized that the strategic dialogue reflected the importance that the U.S. placed on its relationship with Serbia. "Our relationship is based on mutual respect and a shared commitment to building a better future. The U.S. recognizes Serbia as a significant regional leader, which is why we discussed the establishment of a strategic dialogue today," Verma said.

The U.S. official noted that the strategic dialogue between the two states would provide a "structured format for both governments to engage in key areas of cooperation," including the energy and military sectors, energy, rule of law, and human rights.

Verma added that Serbia would not face economic repercussions if it removed Russia from the ownership structure of the Oil Industry of Serbia (NIS). "There will be no economic consequences for Serbia if the Russian stake in NIS is removed. Russia has not invested in Serbia's future, as it extracts profits without reinvesting them in the country. Changing the ownership structure will contribute to greater peace in the region," Verma stated.